MT W.
Yelp
The best thing of this hotel is its location. It's situated right in the middle of Copacabana beach.
As for the rest, let me tell you all step by step...
We stayed at this hotel back in the 2008 and it was much fresher, if I can say so. Now it's a bit beat-up and shabby, especially this goes for the linens and towels particularly. Even when changed - they smell like a foul waste. That's unpleasant.
We've got an ocean view room. Reasonably spacious and bright. Some weird noise woke us up at the crack of dawn. It seemed like it was because of the sun was shining into the window and may be because of the pressure and temperature difference the window frame was not fit right and this annoying noise going from the window side from time to time like some rocks were falling just didn't give us enough of good sleep after all. We asked to change the room. They willingly transferred us to another one, where was the same story, but quieter a bit at least. They have ocean view rooms or inner court view. May be there is no such story at the inner looking rooms, but believe me - when the room is overlooking somewhere where there is no real day or night light - inside the building - it's not very impressive and alive, it's more artificial and depressing.
They do turndown service which is always good, including traditional chocolate candies.
Breakfast you can order in the room, which is for a decent price by the way, or enjoy it at their restaurant.
In-room dining is of a very high quality by the way. We came late from a show and ordered dinner: they offer filet mignon in a late night menu, which is honorable! It was cooked rare as we asked and with delicious mushroom risotto. Their Burger was juicy and succulent. And cauliflower au gratin was delicious and impeccable too. So here I give them my highest evaluation.
Gym is on the rooftop and has a spectacular view. Sometimes I guess it's better to go to the gym with such a beautiful panorama and air conditioner, than jog along the beach. Although it can be a nice jog, but when it's over 90 F outside you'll think twice. There are a couple of bicycles, two elliptical machines, few treadmills, and strength machines for almost every muscle group, free weights too. Life Fitness. Not to mention that when drinking water from the cooler we saw a cockroach sneaking by the apples.
Outside pool is right there too, very small though. They have sunbeds there, showers, dry sauna and changing rooms.
SPA, if you're interested. We didn't use their services this time, remembering our experience back in the 2008. When my massage therapist offered me a deeper massage in a special place, if you know what I mean, this is absolutely inappropriate for such kind of establishment. But it's Rio...
They have beach service: sunbeds and towels, closes at 5pm.
As for late check-out - it was a whole fight here. We had a late flight and being Elite Marriott rewards members - we're entitled for a late check out upon availability. They told us that there was no such availability. We checked on-line and saw plenty of rooms available for booking. Which we told them and the answer was that the category we were in was sold out. I asked to transfer us to a different category which was not sold out and the receptionist mumbled something doubtful that it was not possible. So we bargained it until 2 pm at least and they were completely not happy. What else can I say? We would have stayed at Belmond Copacabana Palace, but it was all booked by the Rolling Stones and their crew which was the reason of our visit this time, by the way.